The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw its threat to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), warning of nationwide labour action if the policy is implemented.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, issued the warning in a statement on Monday in Abuja, urging the government to use the ongoing two-week warning strike as an opportunity to resolve lingering issues with ASUU.
“We will not hesitate to mobilise all Nigerian workers, including those in critical sectors, to shut down the economy if the government insists on this unproductive policy,” Ajaero said.
His remarks came in response to the directive by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, instructing Vice-Chancellors to implement the “no work, no pay” rule.
Ajaero defended ASUU’s action, saying the strike represents more than an industrial dispute — it highlights a widening gap in educational access between the wealthy and the working class.
“While the elite send their children to private schools or abroad, the poor are left with a crumbling public education system. This fight is for Nigeria’s future, and we will resist any attempt to suppress it,” he stated.
The NLC reaffirmed its support for ASUU and urged the government to pursue dialogue rather than punitive measures.
